Revenue Development and Management School

The Revenue Development and Management School (RDMS) is a nationally recognized, two-year professional development program designed for park and recreation professionals who want to strengthen their skills in generating, managing, and sustaining revenue. RDMS offers a unique blend of classroom learning, peer networking, and practical application. Participants gain tools and strategies to improve cost recovery, enhance financial sustainability, build partnerships, and tell the story of their agency’s impact. The curriculum also connects how marketing, programming, and strategic and system planning drive revenue growth, giving attendees a comprehensive perspective that links day-to-day operations with long-term success. Whether you’re responsible for budgets, programs, marketing, events, facilities, or leadership decisions, RDMS provides actionable insights, best practices, case studies, and a supportive network to help you grow revenue and your career. RDMS is a comprehensive and unique professional development program focusing on proven revenue management and development techniques. It’s targeted towards agencies that rely wholly or in part on generating revenues, such as organizations associated with state or local parks, recreation, leisure services, military recreation, and other nonprofits.

Who should attend

Agency supervisors, managers and directors who are responsible for generating revenues.

Registration, Fees, and Dates

Registration is open for Revenue Development and Management School, taking place March 8-13, 2026 at Oglebay National Training Center in Wheeling, WV. 

Register now!

All-Inclusive Package

Lakeside Wing Rooms: $2,685.63 per person single occupancy and $2,256.56 per person double occupancy
West Wing Rooms: $2,587.73 per person single occupancy and $2,207.61 per person double occupancy
Byrd Wing Rooms: $2,524.38 per person single occupancy and $2,175.94 per person double occupancy
Please ask about cottage rates! Note: Double occupancy rates are available (two people in a room)
Non-Members add an additional $50 per person to the package price

The School runs on a two-year schedule. Students complete classes one week for two consecutive years, with no additional work in between.

Save the date!
March 7-12, 2027

All dates are subject to change.

Questions? Call 304-243-4126 or email ntc@oglebay.com

Location

The Revenue Development and Management School is hosted annually at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia in partnership with the National Training Center at Oglebay.

Partnership

Revenue Development and Management School is a partnership between the National Recreation & Park Association, the National Training Center at Oglebay, and North Carolina State University. 

Key Subjects Covered

First Year Curriculum  

  • Philosophy and Politics of Revenue Generation
  • Philosophy Impacts on Cost-Recovery and Pricing
  • Understanding the Big Financial Picture
  • How a Budget is Born
  • Speed Sessions
  • Thinking Like an Entrepreneur
  • Aligning Priorities and Performance
  • Insights Into Your Customers' Needs, Wants & Values
  • Creating Experiences That Reflect Today's Consumers
  • Evaluating the Customer Experience
  • Positioning and Marketing Your Organization and Service
  • Working with Vendors, Contractors, and Partners
  • Monitoring & Managing Your Budget
  • Spending and Saving Strategies to Make the Most of your Money
  • Know Your Numbers

Second Year Curriculum 

  • Strategic Planning
  • Marketing Plans
  • Business Plans
  • Budgeting Models, Special Funds & Fees
  • Financing
  • Using Data To Improve Your Service and Operations
  • Measuring Your Economic Impact
  • Year 2 Team Project
  • Revenue Generation:  Fundraising, Grants, and Other Revenue Generation Opportunities, Sponsorship (Double)
  • Revenue Generation:  Parks, Facilities, Events, Programs
  • Fundraising, Grants, Other Revenue Opportunities
  • Project Management
  • Reflecting on Revenue School with a Real-Life Project

What do graduates say?

“Revenue Development and Management school provided a comprehensive overview of all aspects in the parks and recreation business which affect revenue. It provided great networking opportunities with other municipalities, and many valuable tools to take back to your own municipality and apply.” — Jillian Fleming, City of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

“It was the best week, I learned SO much! Now, not a week goes by that my boss doesn't say, I'm glad I sent you to the Revenue Development and Management School!” — Julie Calloway, CPRP, City of Boulder City, Nevada

“Best educational experience I have had in my professional career. I will be implementing many of the strategies I learned when I get back to my home community.” — Gary Johnson, Town of Smithfield Parks and Rec. Dept., Smithfield, North Carolina

“The Revenue Development and Management School provides the opportunity for professionals in the field to enhance their skills and share current (real-life) issues with each other in an effort to improve parks and recreation operations throughout the country.” — Carolyn Angiollillo, Manatee County Parks and Recreation Dept., Bradenton, Florida